WEST LORNE -- Back-to- back ribbon cutting ceremonies celebrated the completed renovations to the West Elgin Arena and the official opening of the two-kilometre walkway through Miller Park in West Lorne.

On Nov. 28, Elgin- Middlesex-London Tory MP Joe Preston, EML Liberal MPP Steve Peters, members of West Elgin municipal council and others attended the arena and park to mark the completion of the two projects.

Both were made possible through funding from the three levels of government.

The arena was renovated with new dressing rooms, washrooms facilities, electrical systems and other improvements, through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The federal, provincial and municipal governments each contributed $200,000.

The Miller Park trail runs around the perimeter of the park with 50 trees planted along it in the last few weeks. The trail was funded through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada/Ontario Recreation Program, with $25,000 contributed by the three levels of government.

"One of the great things we've been able to achieve,
as three levels of government, are projects like we're unveiling today," Peters said.
"Anything we can do for recreation is important. Projects like this are good investments."
Peters said West Elgin's park was becoming a "one-stop spot" for
recreation that includes the lawn bowling green, tennis court, splash pad and, now, the walkway.
“We're really happy to be a part of this type of project. When the trees come in, this is going to be a gorgeous place," Preston said.